The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put out a draft of new rules to make digital banking safer for everyone. The fresh guidelines cover internet banking, mobile banking, and any other online services that banks offer.

CLEAR CHOICES FOR CUSTOMERS

Under the new rules, banks must give customers clear choices, they can pick just to ‘view only’ their accounts or use full transaction services. Banks cannot force people to use digital banking if they just want a simple service like a debit card.

CONSENT AND TRANSPARENCY

The RBI also wants banks to get clear permission from customers before signing them up for any digital service. Every customer must be told exactly what fees apply, how to get help if there’s a problem, and must get alerts about transactions by SMS or email.

Another important point is that banks cannot push third-party products, like insurance or investment schemes, on their apps or websites without the RBI’s green light.

STRONGER FRAUD CHECKS

To keep online fraud in check, all banks must use proper fraud detection tools and keep an eye on unusual transactions. They should also study how customers usually spend money so that any odd activity can be spotted quickly.

These draft rules were shared by the RBI on Monday. The central bank has asked banks, experts, and the public to share their suggestions by August 11, 2025.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

If these rules come into force, people using online banking can expect tighter safety measures and fewer unwanted surprises.

They’ll have the freedom to pick only the digital services they actually want.
No one will be forced to sign up for something they don’t need, making banking simpler and fairer for everyone.

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